If you’re aged 66 or over and need help with daily care due to illness or disability, you could be missing out on a benefit worth up to £5,644 a year. Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested payment provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), designed to support older adults with long-term health needs.
Whether you live alone or receive care from a family member, this payment could make a significant difference. Yet, thousands of pensioners are unaware they qualify. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what Attendance Allowance is, who can claim it, how much it pays, and why applying could unlock additional benefits.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK, even though it provides a lifeline for many older people. It is designed to help with the extra costs of personal care needs caused by illness, disability, or age-related conditions.
Importantly, you don’t need to be receiving professional or formal care to be eligible. The DWP only requires evidence that you need help with daily living tasks or supervision to stay safe.
This benefit is:
- Completely tax-free
- Not means-tested (your savings and income do not matter)
- Does not affect your State Pension
- Can unlock additional financial support such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction
For many pensioners, Attendance Allowance is the first step to accessing broader financial help.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must meet specific conditions set by the DWP:
- Be aged 66 or over (State Pension age)
- Have a physical or mental disability, including sensory conditions like blindness, dementia, or hearing loss
- Require help with personal care (e.g., dressing, washing, taking medication) or supervision to avoid risks
- Have needed this help for at least six months
- Have lived in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years
There are also Special Rules for those who are terminally ill. In such cases, the six-month qualifying period does not apply, and claims are fast-tracked for immediate support.
How Much Could You Get?
Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of help required:
| Rate Type | Weekly Rate | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £72.65 | £3,777.80 |
| Higher Rate | £108.55 | £5,644.60 |
- Lower rate applies if you need support either during the day or at night.
- Higher rate applies if you need support both day and night, or if you are terminally ill.
This money is paid directly into your bank account, typically every four weeks.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Applying is relatively straightforward but requires detailed information. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Request an Application Form
- Call the DWP at 0800 731 0122 for a printed form.
- Or download the form directly from GOV.UK.
- Fill in the Form Carefully
- Explain clearly how your condition impacts daily life.
- Provide examples such as struggling to cook, dress, bathe, or manage medication.
- Mention supervision needs, particularly for conditions like dementia, epilepsy, or mental health issues.
- Include medical reports or supporting documents if possible.
- Submit the Application
- Post the form to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance (no stamp or postcode required).
- Await a Decision
- A medical assessment may be scheduled.
- Processing usually takes up to eight weeks.
Being thorough is essential—many initial rejections are overturned on appeal once applicants provide more detail.
Real-Life Examples of Claimants
Margaret, 78
Margaret lives alone and suffers from arthritis. She struggles with dressing and meal preparation but does not have a carer. She qualifies for the lower rate, receiving over £3,700 per year.
John, 82
John has dementia and requires supervision day and night. His daughter is his primary carer. John receives the higher rate of £5,644 per year, and his daughter qualifies separately for Carer’s Allowance.
These examples highlight that both those living independently and those with carers can benefit significantly.
What About Carers?
If someone provides you with care for at least 35 hours a week, they may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, currently worth £81.90 per week.
Carer eligibility requirements:
- Must be 16 or older
- Must not earn more than £139 per week after tax
- Cannot be in full-time education
This separate payment can help support family members or friends who dedicate time to caring for you.
Additional Benefits Linked to Attendance Allowance
Receiving Attendance Allowance can open the door to several extra financial supports, including:
- Pension Credit (which can increase weekly pension income)
- Housing Benefit (to help with rent costs)
- Council Tax Reduction (lower bills for those struggling with income)
- Warm Home Discount Scheme (assistance with heating costs)
- Free TV licence (for over-75s on Pension Credit)
Even if you’re unsure about eligibility, it’s strongly recommended to apply. Many pensioners receive the benefit after reassessment or appeal, even if initially turned down.
Why Attendance Allowance Matters
With rising living costs, this allowance is a crucial safety net. It ensures older adults can maintain independence and dignity, while also easing financial pressure on families. Despite its importance, billions of pounds go unclaimed every year because pensioners simply don’t know they qualify.
By applying, you not only secure financial relief but may also unlock broader social support.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to have a carer to qualify for Attendance Allowance?
No. You only need to show that you require help with personal care or supervision, even if you don’t currently receive formal care.
Q2: Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. Your income and savings do not affect your eligibility.
Q3: How long does it take to get a decision?
It usually takes up to eight weeks, though cases under Special Rules (for terminal illness) are processed faster.
Q4: Can Attendance Allowance increase my other benefits?
Yes. It may boost your eligibility for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and other schemes.
Q5: What happens if my condition worsens after applying?
You can request a reassessment. Many people move from the lower rate to the higher rate after their needs increase.